Common boiler mistake costs you £100s extra on hot water in winter – my timer trick to cut bills

WITH many parts of the UK reeling from the aftermath of Storm Henk, and more cold weather and heavy rain forecast, households are relying especially heavily on their central heating right now.

But homeowners are being warned of five boiler mistakes that could be costing them a packet, and one in particular.

While budgets are being stretched by gas and electricity bills going through the roof, it could be down to more than just energy price hikes, according to Danielle Robinson, central heating category manager at Toolstation.

She told The Sun: "There are some common errors which could be costing you hundreds not only in the winter, but also in the summer, too."

In fact, the potential cost, if mistakes are made and issues get ignored, could easily be more than £3,000 for a new boiler and installation.

Danielle added: “The good news is, there are simple tweaks you can make to help keep costs as low as possible in the coming months – and to avoid a full boiler breakdown.”

Here we take a closer look.

Leaving the boiler on 24/7

According to Danielle, many people make the mistake of leaving their boiler on all the time.

“Contrary to popular belief, it is more costly to keep a home’s heating on constantly, rather than at specific times of day,” she said.

“This is because heat loss naturally occurs. According to the Energy Saving Trust, 25% of a home’s heat is typically lost through the roof alone.”

Danielle warns that having hot water 24/7 means you’re using more energy than necessary - but luckily most boilers come with timers.

"Costs can quickly add up," she said.

"By setting a timer on your boiler, you can ensure you’re only heating water when you need to.

"It’s unlikely you’ll need your radiators and hot water on constantly – even in the height of winter."

Danielle suggests that, if it fits with your daily routine, it could be worth only having your water heated in the morning and night – if these are the times when you shower.

The energy-saving supremo added: “Likewise, if you know you’re out of the house for work, it’s worth making sure the heating is just on when you’re up and getting ready in the morning – and when you return from work.”

An efficient central heating system in a well-insulated home should keep the heat in for a few hours, even once switched off.

“It’s worth considering  if you need it on for the full evening,” said Danielle. “You may find just a few hours suffice.”

When it comes to the summer months, you’ll probably need your hot water on a lot less, and there will be almost no need to have your central heating on at all.

Forgetting to get your boiler serviced regularly

Household budgets may be stretched to their limits due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, but you can’t afford to cut corners on boiler maintenance in a bid to try to save cash.

Danielle said: “Servicing your boiler is the best way to keep your home functioning during the colder months.

"Services identify problems such as limescale deposits and leaks before they worsen, or become costly to repair.

"This can help to prevent heat loss – saving you money in the long run.”

It may seem like yet another expense, but it’s a price worth paying.

“It’s recommended to have your boiler serviced by a professional at least once a year – and ideally ahead of winter,” said the central heating whizz.

“Small problems can quickly become big problems, so it’s best to get any potential issues identified as soon as you can.”

As well as ensuring your boiler is running smoothly, a service can also check for any water or gas leaks.

Think of it as an MOT, or an all-over health check.

Getting your boiler serviced now will serve you well during the summer months, too – helping to save you money all year round.

A typical service costs between £80 and £130, depending on where you live.